Weird Universe Archive

April 2013

April 21, 2013

The Look-alike Fad, 1954




"Top campus style for both boys and girls this fall is reported to be charcoal gray flannel Bermuda shorts, pink man-tailored shirts, knee socks either in matching gray or a contrasting color, and the short storm coat originally designed for men, now adopted by girls.

Universal choice in shoes to go with this outfit is the loafer or moccasin, for both boys and girls.

So far the only deviation in this look-alike fad is that girls prefer their knee socks in vivid colors or Argyle patterns, while men stick to dark socks to match their sweaters, which may be bright red, green or any of a range of pastels now offered by alert manufacturers.

The dress-alike craze, of course, holds good only for casual daytime occasions. For dances and dates the girls go back to their petticoats and high hells, earrings and perfume, and look as feminine as any old-fashioned beau could desire."
~The Free Lance-Star — Aug 14, 1954

Posted By: Alex - Sun Apr 21, 2013 - Comments (3)
Category: Fads, Fashion, 1950s

April 20, 2013

Star Wars Animated in 60 seconds

I need to watch this a bunch more so I can catch all the jokes -- like the "Do Not Litter" sign on the intake vent.



Tell me your favorite.

Posted By: gdanea - Sat Apr 20, 2013 - Comments (6)
Category: Movies

Wild at the Wheel



The filmmakers seem to have hired an Iron Butterfly cover band to do the soundtrack, which makes all the dangerous risk-taking seem alluring..

Posted By: Paul - Sat Apr 20, 2013 - Comments (3)
Category: Accidents, Daredevils, Stuntpeople and Thrillseekers, Death, PSA’s, 1970s, Cars

Makeup-Free Barbie

Mexican artist Edie Aguirre created some images to show what Barbie might look like 1) without makeup, and 2) with the body shape of a real woman. Judging by the bags under her eyes, makeup-free Barbie also looks like she hasn't yet had her morning cup of coffee. [foxnews]



Posted By: Alex - Sat Apr 20, 2013 - Comments (4)
Category: Art, Body, Toys

April 19, 2013

Mystery Artifact



Maybe the combined brainpower of WU can solve this mystery.

Posted By: Paul - Fri Apr 19, 2013 - Comments (12)
Category: Ambiguity, Uncertainty and Deliberate Obscurity, Regionalism, Technology, Archaeology

Scene at a plane crash


I found this image over at the USC Digital Archive. According to the title, it shows the scene at the crash site of an experimental plane in 1951. Text written across the top of the image provides more detail: "Off. Gale Whitacre and crowd with plane James Martin killed in."

My question is, what's the deal with the guy in his underwear? Was he just wandering by and stopped to see what was going on? Was it a particularly hot day? I can't imagine any other reason why he'd be standing around in his tighty-whiteys.

Posted By: Alex - Fri Apr 19, 2013 - Comments (13)
Category: Accidents, Air Travel and Airlines, 1950s

April 18, 2013

The Ultimate Swiss Army Knife

With 85 tools and 140 functions, you can do almost anything with the 100th anniversary Swiss Army Knife by Wenger.

image

Here's the link:

http://gajitz.com/enormous-swiss-army-knife-makes-us-want-bigger-pockets/

The website says you can get one for $900 at Amazon, but now you'll pay almost $1400.

Toothpick included.

Posted By: gdanea - Thu Apr 18, 2013 - Comments (7)
Category: Bombast, Bloviation and Pretentiousness

The Experimenting Preacher


Back in 1959, Rev. David Allcorn mixed science and religion by conducting chemical experiments while at his pulpit in order to "enliven his sermons." He worked as a chemist at the National Biscuit Co. before becoming pastor of the Immanuel Evangelical United Brethren Church in Pittsburgh, PA.

Posted By: Alex - Thu Apr 18, 2013 - Comments (6)
Category: Religion, Science, 1950s

Suntory Whisky



Nine shots and he can still walk! That must be some weak booze....

Posted By: Paul - Thu Apr 18, 2013 - Comments (4)
Category: Business, Advertising, 1960s, Asia, Alcohol

April 17, 2013

Make A Cardboard Bicycle for $9

This isn't at the mass production stage yet, but someday soon you may be able to ride your own cardboard bicycle.



Here's a link to the story:

http://gajitz.com/working-bike-made-of-recycled-cardboard-cost-just-9/

I like the cardboard seat demonstration, but I think I'd rather buy one for $60 than spend the time to make my own.

Posted By: gdanea - Wed Apr 17, 2013 - Comments (2)
Category: Transportation

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Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction books such as Elephants on Acid.

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Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over thirty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. He has recently begun blogging on many curious topics with three fellow writers at The Inferior 4+1.

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